Unable to resolve host URL here No address associated with host name closed

Encountering the dreaded “Unable to resolve host ‘’ No address associated with host name [closed]” error can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re trying to access a critical website or service. This cryptic message typically indicates a problem with your device’s ability to translate a domain name (like google.com) into an IP address (like 172.217.160.142). Think of it like trying to call a friend but your phone can’t find their number in the contact list. This issue can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from simple typos to more complex network configuration problems. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward resolving the problem and getting back online. We’ll explore the common reasons behind this error and provide practical solutions to troubleshoot and fix it, ensuring a smooth browsing experience.

Understanding the “Unable to Resolve Host” Error

The “Unable to resolve host” error essentially means your computer or device is failing to perform a DNS lookup. DNS, or Domain Name System, acts as the internet’s phonebook. When you type a website address into your browser, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to find the corresponding IP address. If the DNS server can’t find the IP address, or if there’s a problem communicating with the server, you’ll see this error. This can happen for numerous reasons. Maybe the website is temporarily down, or perhaps there’s an issue with your internet connection. It’s even possible that your DNS settings are misconfigured.

The most frequent causes are related to DNS server issues, incorrect network configurations, or a temporary outage of the website you’re trying to reach. For example, if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is experiencing technical difficulties with their DNS servers, you and many other users might face this problem simultaneously. Similarly, if you’ve manually configured your DNS settings and made a mistake, such as entering an incorrect IP address for the DNS server, you’ll be unable to resolve hostnames. A temporary glitch on the website’s server can also trigger this error. These are all distinct reasons why you might encounter this error message.

Different operating systems and applications might display slightly different versions of the error message, but the underlying issue is the same: a failure to resolve the hostname to an IP address. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Linux, or a mobile device, the solutions are generally similar, focusing on troubleshooting your network connection, DNS settings, and potentially the website itself. Remember to check if the website is working by asking a friend to access it or using an online “is it down” checker tool. This can help narrow down whether the issue is on your end or theirs.

Troubleshooting Network Connectivity

Before diving into complex settings, start with the basics. Ensure your internet connection is active and stable. Try restarting your modem and router. This simple step often resolves temporary glitches that can interfere with DNS resolution. Unplug both devices, wait about 30 seconds, plug the modem back in, wait for it to fully connect, then plug the router back in. This process effectively refreshes your network connection.

Next, check if you can access other websites. If you can access some sites but not others, the problem might be specific to the website you’re trying to reach. If you can’t access any websites, the problem is likely with your internet connection or network configuration. In this case, try running a network troubleshooter on your operating system. Windows, for example, has a built-in network troubleshooter that can automatically diagnose and fix common network problems. You can also check your Ethernet cable connection (if applicable) to ensure it is securely plugged into both your computer and your router.

Another crucial step is to check your firewall settings. A firewall can sometimes block DNS requests, preventing your computer from resolving hostnames. Make sure your firewall is not blocking DNS traffic (port 53). Temporarily disabling your firewall (only for testing purposes!) can help you determine if it’s the culprit. If disabling the firewall resolves the issue, you’ll need to configure your firewall to allow DNS traffic. Remember to re-enable your firewall immediately after testing to protect your system.

Configuring DNS Settings

If restarting your network devices doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to examine your DNS settings. By default, most devices are configured to automatically obtain DNS server addresses from your ISP. However, sometimes these DNS servers can be unreliable or experience outages. Switching to a public DNS server, such as Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS, can often improve DNS resolution and resolve the “Unable to resolve host ‘’ No address associated with host name [closed]” error.

Here’s how to change your DNS settings on Windows:

Open the Control Panel.
Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
Click on your active network connection (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
Click on “Properties”.
Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties”.
Select “Use the following DNS server addresses”.
Enter the following DNS server addresses:
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google Public DNS)
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (Google Public DNS)
Click “OK” and close all windows.

The process is similar on macOS and Linux. After changing your DNS settings, flush your DNS cache to ensure your computer uses the new DNS servers immediately. In Windows, you can do this by opening the Command Prompt as an administrator and typing ipconfig /flushdns and pressing Enter. On macOS, you can use the command sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. Flushing the DNS cache clears any old DNS records stored on your computer, forcing it to use the new DNS servers.

Advanced Troubleshooting and Solutions

If the previous steps haven’t resolved the “Unable to resolve host ‘’ No address associated with host name [closed]” error, more advanced troubleshooting might be necessary. One potential issue is a problem with your hosts file. The hosts file is a text file on your computer that maps hostnames to IP addresses. If the hosts file contains an incorrect entry for the website you’re trying to access, it can override the DNS settings and cause resolution errors. This file is located at “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts” in Windows.

Another possibility is that your network adapter driver is outdated or corrupted. Updating your network adapter driver can sometimes resolve network connectivity issues, including DNS resolution problems. You can update your network adapter driver through the Device Manager in Windows. Right-click on the Start button, select “Device Manager,” expand “Network adapters,” right-click on your network adapter, and select “Update driver.” Make sure you are connected to the internet (using an alternate connection if necessary) when updating the driver.

In some cases, the problem might be related to a specific application or program that’s trying to access the internet. Try closing all unnecessary applications and see if the error persists. If the error disappears, try opening the applications one by one to identify the culprit. Once you’ve identified the problematic application, you might need to update it, reinstall it, or contact the vendor for support. According to a recent study by Cisco, 85% of network connectivity issues are related to outdated software or drivers [^1^]. Therefore, keeping your software up-to-date is crucial for maintaining a stable network connection. You can also run a traceroute command to see the path a packet takes to reach the host and identify where the connection is failing. You can use online traceroute tools or the command prompt (traceroute on macOS/Linux, tracert on Windows).

Infographic showing DNS resolution process here

FAQ: Resolving Hostname Issues ------------------------------

Why am I seeing the "Unable to resolve host" error?: This error typically occurs when your computer cannot translate a domain name into an IP address due to DNS server issues, network connectivity problems, or incorrect DNS settings.
How do I fix the "Unable to resolve host" error?: Troubleshoot by restarting your network devices, checking your internet connection, configuring DNS settings, flushing your DNS cache, and updating your network adapter driver.
Should I use a public DNS server?: Yes, using a public DNS server like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS can improve DNS resolution and potentially resolve the error. Cloudflare boasts an average DNS resolution speed of 11.47ms, compared to the global average of 20-100ms \[^2^\].
What if the problem is not on my end?: If you suspect the problem is with the website's server, use an online "is it down" checker tool or ask a friend to access the website. If the website is down for everyone, there's nothing you can do but wait for the server to be restored.

- Restart your modem and router. - Flush your DNS cache. - Try a different browser.

Check your firewall settings.
Update your network adapter drivers.
Contact your ISP.

The “Unable to resolve host ‘’ No address associated with host name [closed]” error can be a real headache, but understanding its causes and knowing the troubleshooting steps can empower you to resolve it quickly. Remember to start with the simple solutions, such as restarting your network devices and checking your internet connection. If those don’t work, move on to more advanced troubleshooting steps, such as configuring your DNS settings and updating your network adapter driver. By following these steps, you should be able to get back online in no time. For further reading on network troubleshooting, consider exploring resources from organizations like the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) [^3^], which sets standards for internet protocols.

If you’ve tried these steps and are still facing issues, you might want to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further assistance. They can help you diagnose any problems with your network connection and provide additional support. For expert IT support and solutions, explore our services. Are you interested in learning more about common network errors? Check out our other articles on similar topics, such as “Troubleshooting Common Wi-Fi Issues” and “Understanding Network Security Best Practices” to enhance your knowledge and protect your online experience.

[^1^]: Cisco Annual Internet Report, 2018-2023 White Paper. [^2^]: Cloudflare DNS Performance Report, Q3 2023. [^3^]: IETF - The Internet Engineering Task Force: https://www.ietf.org/Question & Answer :

In my Android application for reading [RSS](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS) links, I am getting this error:

java.net.UnknownHostException: Unable to resolve host “example.com”; No address associated with hostname.

In my emulator I can connect to Google through a browser. Please help me to resolve this issue.

You probably don’t have the INTERNET permission. Try adding this to your AndroidManifest.xml file, right before </manifest>:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />

^{Note: the above doesn’t have to be right before the </manifest> tag, but that is a good / correct place to put it.}

^{Note: if this answer doesn’t help in your case, read the other answers!}